CIMdata expects the application of PLM solutions within SMBs to grow at a fast pace as these enterprises recognize the need to improve the management of intellectual assets (an enterprise’s key to enable product and process innovation); more clearly recognize the need to become better integrated with customers and suppliers to address cost, quality, and delivery; and as available solutions become easier to deploy and support.
Currently there are a number of solution providers that focus on solving the problems of SMBs. And many of today’s PLM solutions are proven and very capable of delivering the product definition information management functionality required by the typical SMB. We expect these vendors to be successful if solutions are continually tuned to be quick and easy to install, and comprehensive in nature.
Peter Bilello is a senior consultant with CIMdata, Ann Arbor, MI-based PLM consulting and research firm dedicated to helping industrial organizations around the world establish effective PLM strategies. For PLM vendors, CIMdata helps define business and market strategies, and delivers worldwide market information and analysis. While CIMdata works extensively with providers of PLM solutions, CIMdata neither resells nor represents any solution provider’s products. Peter Bilello can be reached at (734) 668-9922 or via email at [email protected].